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The revolving doors in soapland are spinning once more with a host of characters set to leave EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale over the coming months. And while we always hate losing our favourite characters, departures leave the promise of some exceptional exit storylines.

From relatively new characters reaching the end of specific storylines to long standing favourites who have been around for decades, there are a variety of faces we need to say goodbye to – including those who are simply taking a break.

But how will they go? Let’s take a look at what could be ahead as we say bon voyage to a number of characters…

Andy Sugden – Emmerdale

(Picture: ITV)After 20 years in the village, the end is nigh for Andy Sugden as Kelvin Fletcher prepares to say goodbye. But while the door is being left open for a potential return in the future, there are still more surprises ahead before we bid him farewell. Will Chrissie’s plan to see him jailed pay off? Will he go on the run? Will he have his revenge? Or perhaps a happy ending could be in store? Only time will tell…

Buster Briggs – EastEnders

(Picture: BBC)

Having already filmed his final scenes, Karl Howman’s final scenes as Buster aren’t far off and it looks like heartbreak could be in store for the local fishmonger. As his heart struggles between his shaky relationship with Shirley and his passionate affair with Kathy, will the truth come out about his infidelity and leave him booted out of Walford in shame? Or perhaps one of his dames might fancy starting a new life with him?

Michael Rodwell – Coronation Street

(Picture: BBC)Les Dennis has been promised a dramatic exit when he departs his role as reformed burglar Michael later this year and we are pinning our bets that Pat Phelan may have a hand in proceedings. With Phelan set to get darker and Michael’s dodgy ticker remaining very much an issue, could there be a tragic ending in store for yet another one of Gail’s husbands? Or will Michael simply drive off in his ice cream van once more?

Andy Flynn – EastEnders

(Picture: BBC)

EastEnders bosses have confirmed that Andy’s role in the show will be at an end as Ronnie’s stalker storyline comes to a close but there are still some dramatic developments to come. As the full truth about Andy comes out, will he prove to be sinister or will his intentions turn out to be less dangerous than have been assumed? Either way, it seems unlikely that he will be welcome in Walford after his sneaky behaviour comes out. But whether his exit is fleeing, being arrested, starting a new life or even death remains to be seen…

Ashley Thomas – Emmerdale

(Picture: ITV)The day when we have to say a heartbreaking goodbye to Ashley is filling us with dread as we just know that it will destroy us all emotionally. The dementia storyline has been played beautifully and the ending will definitely be poignant and wonderfully written and acted when it comes. There is still some way to go though, with producer Iain MacLeod not planning to bring the slow burning story to a close until next year.

Linda Carter – EastEnders

(Picture: BBC)

Kellie Bright is taking maternity leave from Walford so what does that mean for Mick and Linda? As Linda takes some time away from her family, we are guessing that her mum Elaine might be ill or she goes travelling – we certainly can’t see EastEnders breaking up its alpha couple after everything they have come through together.

Sophie Webster – Coronation Street

(Picture: ITV)In the coming months, Sophie will be absent from our screens for a number of weeks as Brooke Vincent takes on a theatre role. So what will take her on a Weatherfield hiatus? We think it’s inevitable that it will involve the situation with Caz and Kate. Will obsessive Caz drive Sophie away in order to reclaim Kate? Or perhaps Kate and Sophie may embark on a relationship and set off on an extended holiday together?

Sonia Fowler – EastEnders

(Picture: BBC)

Another Walford maternity leave will take Sonia away for some time too – and with her relationship with Tina already on its last legs, we can fully anticipate why Sonia will want to take some time away from the Square. As she and Tina potentially reach the end of the line, will Sonia leave under a cloud or with a spring in her step? And will she take daughter Bex along with her?